A staff development series that is both a companion to The Eddie Files, and a unique visual library of compelling hands-on lessons showing teachers step-by-step how to deliver lessons on elementary mathematics topics which excite student interest, engage their problem-solving and communication skills and develop computational and reasoning skills.
Watch a clip of The Kay Toliver FilesThe Kay Toliver Files Box 1 Episodes:Welcome to Mathematics - Ms. Toliver brings her students to an understanding of the value of mathematics in communication and as a tool for solving problems that have real-world relevance to her students.
Estimation - Ms. Toliver begins by asking her students to estimate the number of biscuits in a large box, then guides them through a process of refining their estimate using small, proportionate boxes. Students work in groups and devise strategies for refining their estimates.
Fractions - Ms. Toliver bases this lesson on equivalent fractions on an activity called "The Great Pizza Swap." During the lesson, students review concepts and terminology of basic fractions, execute an interdisciplinary math/art project as they make their own "pizzas," work out tables of equivalent fractions and get a hands-on grasp of equivalency in a free-for-all swap session.
Polygons - Ms. Toliver reviews polygons while guiding students in their investigation of the third dimension, as they transform polygons into polyhedra. Students develop spatial sense and reinforce existing knowledge as they work in teams to analyze model polyhedra and reconstruct them from their component polygons.
